Georges Fouquet (1862–1957) was a French jewelry designer best known for his Art Nouveau creations.[1]

Facade of the jeweler's boutique Georges Fouquet located at 6 rue Royale

Career

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In Paris, Fouquet joined his father in the family business in 1891.[2] He took over the running of the company in 1895.[3] In 1900, he opened a new jewelry shop at 6 rue Royale in Paris, designed by the illustrator Alphonse Mucha. The interior of the shop is preserved at the Carnavalet Museum in Paris.[4] Contrary to Lalique but like Henri Vever, Georges Fouquet expressed himself through more synthetic geometric forms.[5][6]

In 1900, Fouquet was featured at the Exposition Universelle in Paris.[7] During the event, Fouquet's collaboration with Alphonse Mucha was prominently showcased, unveiling a highly theatrical line of jewelry characterized by intricate enamel work, natural motifs, and the innovative use of materials like ivory, mother-of-pearl, and gemstones. This collection became an iconic representation of the Art Nouveau style.[8][9]

Georges Fouquet is a fantasist, and while his creations can be associated with the Lalique school, it is not due to imitation, but rather his imaginative talent. His work is often complex and holds a foremost place in the Art Nouveau movement.[10]

He also designed jewels for French actresses such as Sarah Bernhardt.[11] Pieces of his work can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,[12] the Victoria and Albert Museum,[13] the Petit Palais.[14] The Carnavalet Museum in Paris has a recreation of the shop of Georges Fouquet [15]

References

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  1. ^ Staff writer. "Georges Fouquet". Antique Jewelry Investor. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  2. ^ Staff writer. "Biography for Georges Fouquet". Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 23 December 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  3. ^ "- Biography - Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery Information Centre". www.bmagic.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  4. ^ Staff writer. "Boutique Bouquet: Installation of a space representing the interior designed by Mucha, Musée Carnavalet". Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  5. ^ Staff writer. "Georges Fouquet French artisan". Britannica. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  6. ^ Staff writer. "Georges And Jean Fouquet". Primavera Gallery. Archived from the original on 24 December 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  7. ^ Staff writer. "Georges Fouquet (1858-1929), Paris, after design by Mucha: Ornamental Chain with pendants (1900)". Mucha Foundation. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  8. ^ Misiorowski, Elise B.; Dirlam, Dona M. (1986-01-01). "Art Nouveau: Jewels and Jewelers". Gems & Gemology. 22 (4): 209–228. doi:10.5741/GEMS.22.4.209. ISSN 0016-626X.
  9. ^ "Exploring the Fascinating World of Art Nouveau Jewelry Collecting". DSF Antique Jewelry. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
  10. ^ Holme, Charles (Jul 31, 2015). "Modern Design in Jewellery and Fans". Gutenberg. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  11. ^ Staff writer. "Georges Fouquet French artisan". Britannica. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  12. ^ Staff writer. "Dress ornament, 1923, Georges Fouquet (French, 1862–1957)". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  13. ^ Staff writer. "Brooch". Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  14. ^ Staff writer. "Georges Fouquet". Verbinina. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  15. ^ Staff writer (14 February 2013). "Alphonse Mucha's Jewelry Shop at the Musée Carnavalet". Untapped Cities. Retrieved 23 December 2015.